She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10
Wesley and Claire exchanged uneasy glances, torn between shielding their recently reunited daughter from their problems and worrying that keeping secrets would only make her feel more like an outsider.
After a tense moment, Wesley made up his mind. Athena, we don’t want to hide anything from you about the situation our family is in.
“Five years ago, we managed to scrape together enough money to buy a duplex in Bard Garden, a new residential complex not far from here. We had dreams of moving the whole family in and bringing your grandparents to live with us.
“The house was supposed to be ready three years ago, according to the contract. But…
Wesley sighed, the frustration and helplessness weighing on his face. He continued, “Just when the project was nearing completion, the owner of Bard Property fled overseas with a massive sum of money. Suppliers, renovation companies, and construction crews all started showing up, demanding payment
“But the company went bankrupt, leaving nothing to pay them with. So, the entire development was put on hold. The completed units can’t be handed over, and construction on the unfinished ones has stopped.
“Even though the homeowners won their lawsuits, Bard Property has to settle its debts with the suppliers and builders before anything can move forward. So, we and all the other homeowners are stuck, waiting for them to clear those debts.”
Athena remembered the protest the’d seen earlier outside Bard Carden. It hit her-Arthur was probably there, organizing and leading the whole thing.
“The police are trying to track down the owner of Bard Property Claire added, wiping her eyes. “But since he’s overseas, it’s complicated, and the situation just drags on and on.”
*Our mortgage payments are about 4,000 dollars a month, Wesley continued. “The money our kids saved has been going straight into those payments, but the idea of ever moving into that house feels more hopeless by the day.”
Wesley gave a wry smile. “And what’s even more frustrating is that since Bard Property is a private company, the government can’t step in to cover the costs.
“Even if the police find the owner, we still won’t get our house unless he somehow manages to settle all the debts.”
Claire, her voice trembling with emotion, chimed in. “Arthur organized that protest to try and speed things up so that when you came back to us, you’d have a proper home. We never thought things would turn out like this.”
“So, please don’t blame him for not coming to see you today or for any of this mess, Claire pleaded, tears streaming down
her face.
As a tear fell onto Athena’s hand, she felt a deep tug at her heart. She nodded gently, her voice calm but resolute. “Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I have a feeling Arthur will be home soon, and the house situation will get sorted out quickly.”
Seeing the quiet determination in their daughter, Wesley and Claire forced a smile, even though their worries remained. Wesley sighed. “You’re right. We’re good people, and good things will come our way”
Athena didn’t elaborate but spoke with firm conviction. “Mom, Dad, I usually have a good sense about these things. Trust me, Arthur will be okay.”
Wesley and Claire exchanged another glance. They knew Athen was trying to reassure them, but something about the certainty in her voice actually eased their anxieties a little.
“Okay? Wesley said, patting Athena’s shoulder gently. “We trust you.”
He hesitated for a moment before adding, “I need to get ready before I go see your brother. You…
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Athena stood up, her tone unwavering. “You focus on bringing Arthur home. Since there’s nothing I can do to help right now, I’ll head back for the time being. She paused, then added. “But once Arthur’s back. I’ll come visit again.”
Relieved that she still planned to visit, Wesley hesitated, then cautiously asked, “Athena, where are you staying now? If you’re okay with it, we’d love for you to move in with us.”
Claire, distressed by the thought of her daughter being kicked out of the Kennedy family and left with nothing, quickly added, “The house might be small, but there are usually only four or five of us here. We can definitely make room for you.”
Wesley nodded in agreement. “And if the cramped space makes you uncomfortable, I can rent a nearby room. You can choose the location and size,”
Before Athena could respond, Claire, still worried, asked cautiously, “Athena, do you have any money right now? We’re not rich, but we can certainly support you,”
Athena smiled warmly and replied, “Thank you for worrying about me. I’d be happy to move back in with you.
“But I’ll be working over the summer and will need to stay in the company dormitory so I won’t be moving back right away.
“And please don’t worry about my living expenses. The company provides meals and accommodation; and the salary is good enough for me. I’ll let you know if I ever need money for tuition when school starts.”
Claire’s concern was immediate. “You’re so young and already working? What kind of job is it? Is it tough? Does your boss treat you well? And is it safe?”
To Claire, Athena was still just eighteen-delicate and angelic, raised in comfort. The thought of Athena going out to work, especially with so little life experience, made her anxious. She’d much prefer Athena helping out at their food cart in the evenings, even if it meant just sitting there playing on her phone.
Athena’s smile stayed gentle as she reassured Claire. “It’s nothing to worry about. We’re a group of students working with experts on some scientific research. Everyone’s deeply involved in academia, and they’re all well-respected professionals. There’s no danger.”
She wasn’t lying about the job, but she left out some details on purpose.
Claire sighed in relief but still hesitated before asking, “What kind of scientific research?”
Athena smiled mysteriously. “That’s classified. I can’t share the details.”
Claire was about to press further when Wesley stepped in, calm and reassuring. “Athena, you’re a smart girl. If you say it’s confidential, we believe you.”
Noticing the food left on the table, Wesley smoothly changed the subject. “There’s still plenty of food. Want to take some home?”
Wesley gave Claire a meaningful look, silently reminding her not to push too hard.
They had talked about this earlier and agreed that the best way to make Athena feel comfortable was to listen to her, respect her choices, and not interfere too much
Remembering their agreement, Claire swallowed her remaining worries and decided not to dig any deeper.
“Alright, thank you for the meal!” Athena said, grateful for their efforts. “I can’t eat all of this on my own, but I’d love to take some tuna casserole, mac and cheese, roast beef sliders, and Mom’s special lemonade!”
“Of course! We’ll pack it up right away” Wesley responded, clearly pleased.
A few minutes later, Athena headed downstairs with bags of food in hand. Once outside, she pulled out her phone and made a call.
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She began, “Ryan, my family bought an apartment in Bard Garden, but the handover’s been delayed for three years.
“My brother just got arrested at a protest after clashing with security. I need you to be his lawyer and handle this. “Also, I want you to investigate Bard Property immediately. I need detailed information on their operations, finances, and staffing.”
“My goal is to get our apartment back as soon as possible. Athen declared firmly. “And keep this quiet. My family can
know I’m involved.”